What is the role of following rules?

Following rules often plays a complex and nuanced role in decision-making and personal development. Here are some insights from trusted experts:

1. Navigating Complexity and Bias: Barry Schwartz highlights that following rules can help prevent bias and favoritism. For example, a schoolteacher following a strict curriculum can't be accused of giving undue attention to certain students. However, he argues that over-reliance on rules can lead to mediocre solutions, as it fails to account for the unique aspects of each situation that require personal judgment 1.

2. Comfort and Defense: Shreyas Doshi discusses that teams may strictly follow rules due to insecurity or the need to defend their actions if things go wrong. While adhering to rules provides a safety net, it is crucial that leaders use judgment to know when to deviate from these rules to achieve better outcomes 2.

3. Trade and Ethics: John D. Rockefeller underscores the importance of following the established laws of trade, emphasizing fair dealing and long-term planning over seeking temporary advantages. He advises studying conditions thoroughly and maintaining integrity to earn widespread confidence 3.

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     1

     Rethinking Decision Making

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     2

     Judgment Over Rules

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     3

     Rules of Trade

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     4

     Power of Following

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     5

     Career Success Rules

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4. Experience Before Leadership: Jonathan Fields explains that following before leading allows one to understand the dynamics between leaders and followers. This experience is essential for developing the skills needed to lead effectively and innovatively in the future 4.

5. Career Success: Nikhyl Singhal provides practical career advice through rules, suggesting that following strategic principles such as long-term thinking, building connections, and making additive decisions can ensure a prosperous career 5.

These insights collectively paint a picture that while rules are essential for structure and fairness, personal judgment and adaptability are crucial for exceptional outcomes and leadership.